Chicago Bears: There Is No Reason Why They Can't Beat the Jacksonville Jaguars

Lovie Smith is in his ninth season as the Bears head coachRonald Martinez/Getty Images

The Bears have a big opportunity Sunday and they should not waste it, as they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars.

Jacksonville is 1-3 and winless at home. The Jaguars have scored more than 20 points only once this season, are the second-worst passing team and have the third-worst rushing defense in the NFL.

The Bears have a top-10 defense. There is no reason why Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and the rest of the Bears defense shouldn't have a field day on Sunday.

The Bears average close to 100 rushing yards per game. This week would be the perfect time for either Matt Forte or Michael Bush to rush for more than 100 yards.

The Jaguars defense allows more than 250 passing yards a game, so I expect a monster performance from the Bears' Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall.

They worked their magic last week in Dallas, but this week they can dominate in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville QB Blane Gabbert is in his second year as a stater, but he is still inexperienced.

If the Bears can put pressure on him, he should have a long day. In fact, the Bears' only real concern defensively will be Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who averages almost five yards per carry. The Bears need to at least contain him, then force the Jaguars to beat them through the air.

As for the Bears offense, they need to establish the run game early and often. Forte and Bush will need to take advantage of a Jacksonville defense that gives up more than 100 yards a game.

The Bears need to weaken Jacksonville with their rushing attack, then finish them off with the passing game.

I say that the Bears will score 30 points and finish with at least 300 total yards.

I think a shutout is too much to ask of the Bears defense. But since the Jaguars have only scored 34 points in their last three games, I say the Bears can hold them to 14 points.

The Bears are on a bye week after Sunday's game. But with Detroit coming to Soldier Field in two weeks, it's important to finish this first part of the schedule on a high note.